Coaxial connectors



ug. i5, H967 R. K. HYsLoP 3,336,563

COAXIAL CONNECTORS Original Filed April 13, 1964 25 27 33 37 'f b[45 2sUnited States Patent O 3,336,563 CUAXIAL CONNECTORS Raymond K. Hyslop,Newtown, Conn., assigner to Amphenol Corporation, a corporation ofDelaware Continuation of application Ser. No. 359,133, Apr. 13, 1964.This application Dec. 5, 1966, Ser. No. 599,673 Claims. (Cl. 339-61)This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 359,133, tiled Apr. 13,1964, and now abandoned.

This invention relates to coaxial electrical connectors and especiallyto coaxial electrical connectors adapted for use with radio frequencytransmission lines of the coaxial type.

Among the features considered desirable in a coaxial electricalconnector are (a) electrical characteristics which are not only constantbut also uniform from connector to connector, such that the coaxialconnector introduces the least possible discontinuity to the propagationof electrical signals therethrough, and (b) construction features whichnot only simplify the installation of the connector to a coaxial linebut also result in uniform and adequate mechanical strength. Theelectrical characteristics of a coaxial connector are intimately relatedto its mechanical construction.

It is a principal object of this invention to provide a coaxialelectrical connector capable of interconnecting the ends of radiofrequency transmission lines with an electrical continuity through theconnector so stabilized by the mechanical construction of the connectorthat the V.S.W.R. (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) through the connector isnot subject to appreciable variation due to minor changes of position orfloating of the parts, regardless of the imposition of varyingmechanical stresses on the connector or on the cables connected thereby,and regardless of the expansion or contraction of the component parts ofthe assembly due to temperature changes.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved coaxialconnectors which, while having closely controlled mechanica-l andelectrical characteristics as noted above, are nevertheless especiallyadapted to quick, convenient and reliable attachment to coaxial lines.

A more particular object of this invention is the provision of coaxialconnectors employing factory completed subassemblies which reduce thenumber of loose components which must be finally assembled forattachment to coaxial lines and which may be completely assembled oncoaxial transmission lines in an uncomplicated procedure to effect anelectrically uniform and mechanically reliable line connection.

In addition to the reduction in the total number of components to beassembled in the eld, it is a further object of the invention to providean improved coaxial radio frequency connector having a smal-l totalnumber of parts, the construction o-f which facilitates the assembly ofthe connector partsy in such a manner as to maintain their precise andproperly calculated electrical parameters, thereby bringing about agreat uniformity in the electrical characteristics of the connectors.

The present invention contemplates the construction of the vitalinternal parts of coaxial connectors in a manner to minimize thepossibility of minor internal movements or variations in position ofcomponent parts, either as to spacing or as to alignment, since suchmovements or variations might otherwise give rise to electricaldiscontinuities, particularly in the high frequency ranges. Theseinternal parts, including especially a dielectric spacer and an internalcontact, are constructed to be slipped easily together in an operationwhich in itself is noncritical, but which brings about precise and iirmrelative orientations between the parts with little tendency towardmisalignment. Although the invention provides for a profound departurefrom the typical practices and construction features heretofore employedin coaxial connectors, it should be pointed out that coaxial connectorsdesigned and constructed in accordance with this invention arenevertheless compatible with prior types of connectors; that is, theyare physically interchangeable with connectors of corresponding typesheretofore commercially manufactured.

Although the scope of the invention is not to be limited except by theclaims appended hereto, further details of the invention as Well asadditional objects and advantages will be better comprehended inconnection with the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferredembodiment of the invention wherein:

FIGURE l is an enlarged central cross-sectional view through a connectorplug subassembly constructed according to the present invention andready for attachment to a exible coaxial radio frequency transmissionline;

FIGURE 2 is a view partially in elevation and partly in cross section ofthe end of a exible coaxial line stripped back in proper manner and witha central terminal attached thereto prior to assembly with the connectorplug subassembly of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a central cross-sectional view of the subassembly shown inFIGURE 1 after being joined to the prepared coaxial line of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view of a mating receptacle constructed inaccordance with this invention and assembled with a radio frequencycoaxial line for cooperative engagement with the plug illustrated inFIGURE 3.

The principles of the present invention, while of general application,will be described in connection with a connector designed tointerconnect the ends of flexible coaxial radio frequency transmissionlines of the type having a solid or stranded wire as the centralconductor, surrounded by a dielectric, which is in turn enclosed by anouter conductor of Woven flexible Wire or metal ribbon braid and coveredby a tough insulating sheath of suitable plastic or fabrics. Cables ofthis type are well known and quite conventional for transmission ofradio frequency signals.

Referring now to FIGURE 1, the plug subassembly shown therein is seen tocomprise a body portion 1G including a tubular metal shell 11 at theright end as seen in this illustration and at the left an integralcylindrical coupling sleeve 12 tapered to a thin feather edge 13 at itsend. A central bore 14 extends axially through the coupling sleeve 12and communicates with a larger diameter counterbored cavity 15 in whichis positioned a cylindrical dielectric insert 16. The dielectric insert16 is held in place in the counterbore 15 by a slight indentation 17which may extend around the wall of the metal shell portion 11.

It is to be noted that the external configuration of the dielectricinsert 16 is that of a circular cylinder lling counterbore 15 to theperpendicular shoulder 18 at the bottom thereof. Insert 16 has a centralbore 19 which is axially aligned with the lcentral bore 14 in the body10. At the left end of the central bore 19 as seen in this illustrationis a slightly larger counterbore 20 dimensioned to receive thedielectric insulation of a coaxial line as will be explained furtherhereinafter. At the other end of the bore 19 in the dielectric insert 16is another counterbore 21 which opens out into a still largercounterbore 22.

For attaching the connector plug thus far partially described to amating receptacle, the assembly is provided with an outside rotarycoupling collar 25 having a forwardly extending locking sleeve 26 and aknurled finger grip 27. The coupling collar 25 encloses an internalcylindrical chamber 28 dened by the space between the annular end wall30 of the coupling collar 25 and the inwardly offset shoulder 31 at theedge of the forward cylindrical locking sleeve 26 which has a slightlyreduced internal diameter. The lbody member and its included dielectricinsert 16 are held loo-sely captive within the coupling collar 25, inthis embodiment, by the confinement within chamber 28 of a washer 33positioned in an annular slot 34 in the external flange 35 integral withthe shell portio-n 11 of body 10. A spring washer 36 encircles the bodyportion 10 between the annular end wall 30 of the coupling collar 25 andthe iiange 35 o-n shell 11. Surrounding the shell portion 11 on theforward side of flange 35 is a gasket 37 of compressible material.

The rotary locking sleeve 25 thus constitutes the forward end of thecoaxial connector plug assembly and is capable not only of rotationalmovement about shell 11 but also of limited relative axial movementthereon. The forward end of the locking sleeve 26 on the coupling collar25 is formed with cut-away channels 41, only one of which is visible inthe cross-sectional view of FIG- URE 1. Channel 41 communicates withhelically disposed grooves 42 which terminate in slightly enlargedapertures 43 in the locking sleeve to engage paired lugs on a bayonetplug to be inserted within the locking sleeve.

Turning now to FIGURE 2 there may lbe seen a coaxial radio frequencyline 45 prepared for attachment to the a'bove described assembly. Priorto final assembly, a ferrule 44 is placed upon the coaxial line 45 andthe line is stripped as shown by cutting back the insulating sheath 46,the metal braid covering 47, and the dielectric 4S in stepped fashion toexpose the end of the inner conductor 49. A central connector contact 51having a pin 52 at its forward end and a central bore 53 to receive theinner conductor 49 is then slipped over the end of the inner conductor49 to abut against the line dielectric 48. The contact 51 is thenaffixed thereon, as by the application of liquid solder applied througha solder port 54 provided in the side of the contact and communicatingwith bore 53 for that purpose.

It is to be noted that the Contact member 51 is provided at a placeintermediate its ends with an annular locking flange 55 having a conicalcam surface 56 on its forward or leading edge and a sharp radiallyextending ridge or shoulder 57 on the opposite edge. The shape of thecentral contact 51 and its prior aixation to the conductor of thecoaxial line 45, as will be seen, greatly simplifies the task ofassembling the complete coaxial connector to the coaxial line.

The prepared end of the coaxial line as shown in FIGURE 2 is thenattached to the plug subassembly shown in FIGURE 1 to create theassembly shownin FIGURE 3. This is accomplished by inserting the contact51 and the dielectric 48 of the stripped end of the line 45 into thecentral `bore 14 in the coupling sleeve 12 until the dielectric layer 48enters the counterbore 20 and seats against the dielectric insert 16 atthe end of counterbore 20.

Simultaneously, the woven wire braid 47 of the coaxial transmissionline, previously flared slightly as shown in FIGURE 2, is spread by thetapered edge 13 of the sleeve 12 and telescoped over substantially theentire length of the sleeve 12. The ferrule 44 is then drawn over theoutside of the braid 47 until it abuts the slightly enlarged outwardlyoffset central portion of the body member, where it is preferablycrimped in place by a standard crimping tool to clamp the expanded braid47 against the outer surface of the sleeve 12. It is to be noted thatwhile the braid layer 47 is somewhat loosened and expanded to fit coverthe sleeve, it is not unraveled nor combed out and is clamped in braidedcondition thus effecting a strong uniform mechanical joint with goodelectrical conductivity.

When the central contact 51 enters the central bore 19 of the dielectricinsert 16, the locking flange 55, which is larger in diameter than thebore 19, engages the sides of bore 19 and urges them outwardly. It istherefore important that the material of which the dielectric insert 16is composed be suliiciently elastic to yield under the force of theadvancing conical cam surface 56 during its passage through thedielectric material. The dielectric material of insert 16 should notrupture during the passage of the locking flange 55 therethrough, norshould it be abraded by the outer periphery of the locking ring. Itshould, in addition, have sufficient elasticity to return tosubstantially its original dimensions after the passage of the lockingflange 55 therethrough. The elastic properties of the dielectricmaterial should also be balanced by a sufficient degree of rigidity `tomaintain the central contact S1 accurately centered within thedielectric sleeve 16.

For the material of dielectric insert 16, I prefer to employ apolypropylene composition currently available as Avisun Grade 1044, asemirigid composition possessing sufcient elasticity to snap back to itsoriginal dimensions after being subjected to the deformation described.As can be seen in FIGURE 3, the shoulder 57 of the radial locking flange55 snaps through into the counterbored cavity 21 at the forward end ofthe central bore 19 to seat itself in firm locking engagement with theperpendicular shoulder at the base of counterbore 21. When this isaccomplished, it can be seen that the coaxial line 45 is securely lockedto the subassembly of sleeve 11 and dielectric spacer 16. The coaxialline 45 cannot be pulled back out of this subassembly because of thelocking engagement between locking flange 55 and the base of thecounterbore 21 in the dielectric insert 16. Neither can the coaxial line45 be forced any farther into or through the subassembly because of theengagement by the dielectric insulation 48 of the coaxial line with thebase of counterbore 20 in the dielectric insert 16.

It is to be noted that the precision with which inner contact 51 iscentered and axially located within the dielectric insert 16 is aconsequence almost entirely of the geometry of these two elements alone.The skill of the assembler is of little consequence to the precision ofthe nal assembly, since all that is necessary is rst to ensure thatcontact 51 is bottomed against the transmission line dielectric 48before it is affixed by soldering or otherwise to the inner conductor 49and then to insert the coaxial transmission line until the inner contact51 snaps into and is locked in its final position.

It should also be noted that the heat of the soldering loperationinvolved in aflxing the central contact 51 to conductor 49 is appliedbefore the contact is placed in proximity to the dielectric insert 16.The contact 51 is permitted to cool before it is inserted in thedielectric insert 16, and there is thus no possibility of heat damage tothe dielectric insert of the connecting plug. Furthermore, when theprepared coaxial line as illustrated in FIGURE 2 is inserted into thesubassembly of FIGURE l, the firm engagement between the dielectric 48of the coaxial line and the dielectric 16 of the connector plug isaccomplished without the use of additional threaded clamping elements.Nor is it necessary to rely upon cement solvents or adhesives to retainlthe dielectric elements in place.

In FIGURE 4 is shown a mating receptacle for the above describedconnector plu-g constructed and assembled in accordance with the sameinventive principles. The receptacle includes an outer metallic shellmember 60` of unitary rather than two-piece construction having aforward contact sleeve portion 61 with a pair of locking lugs 62 on anouter surface thereon, a sleeve 63 of reduced liameter at the oppositeend of the shell member, and a knurled finger ring 64 intermediate thetwo ends. A central bore 65 extends axially through the shell member 60opening out into a first counterbore 66 and beyond that into a slightlylarger counterbore 67. Within the counterbore 66 is positioned acylindrical dielectric insert 68 filling the counterbore 66 to theperpendicular shoulder 69 at the bottom thereof and held therein by alocking ring 70 wedged within an annular space between the base ofcounterbore 67 and an annular shoulder 71 Ion the dielectric insert 68.The dielectric insert 68 is preerably composed of the same kind ofmaterial employed in forming the previously described dielectric insert16. rlhe shell member 60, the locking ring 7l] and the dielectric insert68` thus constitute a receptacle subassembly to which coaxial line 45ais joined after an initial preparation.

As previously described in connection with FIGURES 2 .and 3, the coaxialline 45a is prepared by first cutting back the insulating sheath 46a,the metal Ibraid 47a and the dielectric insulation 48a in steppedfashion to expose the end of the central conductor 49a. An inner contact72 having a conductor-receiving -bore 73 is then inserted over theexposed end of conductor 69a and affixed in place by applying liquidsolder through a solder port '74 in the side surface thereof to theconductor 49a within the bore 73. The inner contact 72 is configured atits forward end to include a female contact portion 75 shaped to receivethe central contact pin 52 of the FIG- URE 3 assembly therein.Intermediate its ends, the contact member 72 also includes a lockingflange 76 having its forward or leading edge in the shape of a conicalcam surface 77 and at its trailing edge an annular shoulder '78extending slightly beyond the diameter of the contact member 72.

When the end of the prepared coaxial line 45a is inserted into thereceptacle subassembly, the passage of the inner contact 72 through theaxial bore 81 of the dielectric insert 68 is resisted because thediameter of the axial Ibore 81 is less than that of the locking liange76. The conical cam surface 77 overcomes this resistance by urging thematerial of the dielectric insert 68 outwardly during its passagethrough the central bore 8l until it reaches the counterbore 82 at theforward end thereof and snaps into rm locking contact with thedielectric insert 68, whereupon the shoulder 78 of the locking flange 76is seated securely against the base of the counter-bore 82. At this timethe dielectric 48a of the coaxial line 45a abuts squarely against thedielectric insert 68 within the counterbore 83 at the rearward end ofbore 81.

Simultaneously with the insertion of the central conductor 49a and thedielectric insulation 48a into the receptacle subassembly, the wirebraid 47a, initially prepared by a slight flaring thereof, is slippedover the outside of sleeve 63 as in the previously described connectorplug until it covers substantially the entire outer surface of thesleeve 63. A crimping sleeve 84 previously placed on the coaxial line45a is then slipped o-ver the outside of the wire braid and crimped inplace. If desired, an outer tubing 85 of a material which shrinks whenheated may also be placed over the crimping sleeve 84 and shrunk inplace thereon as shown in FIGURE 4. These simple operations complete theassembly of the receptaclev shown in FIGURE 4.

The receptacle of FIGURE 4 mates accurately with the plug of FIGURE 3.When the two assemblies are placed together end to end, the locking lugs62 on the exterior surface of the contact sleeve 61 slip Within theslots 41 in the forward end of the coupling and collar 25 hence alongthe inclined channels 42 until the locking lugs 62 seat within apertures43. At such a time -the ychamfered end 86 of the contact sleeve 61 isguided over the curved contact lip 87 at the forward end of sleeve 11into the space between sleeve 11 and the locking sleeve 26 until the endof the contact sleeve 61 engages the gasket 37 and presses the shell 11backward within the coupling collar 25 against the force of the spring`washer 36. The spring washer 36 thus assists in maintaining the lockinglugs 62 within the apertures 43 to hold the two connector assembliestogether.

V It will be appreciated, of course, that as the connectors are joinedthe forward end of the dielectric insert 68 telescopes within thecounterbore 22'of the dielectric insert 16. The female contact portionof inner contact 72 also slips over the end of thecontact pin 52 ofinner contact 51, thus completing an electrical connection between thecentral conductor 49 of the one coaxial cable and the central conductor49a of the other cable. Electrical continuity between the metal braidsheaths of the two coaxial lines is established through the interttingconnections of contact sleeves 11 and 61. When the two connector plugsare joined it will be noted that the telescoping dielectric inserts 16and 68` constitute an essentially cylindrical two-piece dielectricinsulation surrounding an inner twopiece conductor comprised of thecontact pin 51 and the contact member 72.

This construction is to be contrasted with prior assemblies which haveeither required a `total of at least four dielectric inserts, i.e., twodielectric inserts in each connector section, or which, althoughemploying a single dielectric insert in each connector section, haverequired the use of adhesives applied at the time of final assembly inorder to hold the dielectric inserts within the structure. Thoseassemblies making use of a larger number of dielectric spacers orinserts invariably have required a substantially more complex assemblymaking use of multiple threaded clamping members. `On the other hand thesimpler cemented assemblies, in addition to being dificult to assemblein the field, are generally not adaptable for use with many types ofdielectric materials such as Teflon which do not lend themselvesre-adily to cementitious bonding.

From the foregoing description it should be apparent that the principlesof the present invention succeed in balancing the requirements formechanical strength, electrical continuity, and simplicity ofconstruction to result in connectors having advantages in all of theseimportant respects. It is to be noted that the internal design of theconnector parts is such that there is positive electrical union betweenthe connector contacts and the transmission line conductors at alltimes. Also, the inner contacts of the connectors are positively heldagainst lateral displacements in the bores of the dielectric inserts,and at the same time are confined in a manner to prevent axial shifting.This is important, as has been pointed out, in order to avoid changes inthe radio frequency electrical characteristics of the connector inresponse to mechanical stresses.

It is an especially important feature that the prepared end of thecoaxial line may be inserted and locked in the basic connectorsubassembly in one swift noncritical operation which brings about theprecise spacing and absence of shifting of parts which are required inhigh quality connectors. The vital dimensions of the final assembly donot depend upon the skills or special care of the assembler and thedanger that the parts might be incompletely or improperly assembled isconsiderably minimized. With all of these advantages it is also to beobserved that the present invention provides a design concept forcoaxial connectors which is well suited to modern high productionmethods of commercial manufacture.

While but one preferred embodiment of this invention has been shown anddescribed, certain variations of construction within the scope of theseteachings will doubtlessly occur to those skilled in the art to whichthe invention pertains, The appended claims are therefore intended tocover all such variations of construction as fall within the true spiritand scope of this invention in its broader aspects.

I claim:

1. A connector assembly for providing constant electricalcharacteristics to coupled coaxial radio Ifrequency transmission linesof the type having a constant diameter inner conductor surrounded by adielectric layer of uniform dielectric constant and a constant diametertubular outer conductor, the assembly comprising:

an electrically conductive -body having a forward coupling portion ofgenerally cylindrical form and a rearwardly extending tubular portionfor connection to the outer conductor of a coaxial transmission line,said body having a cylindrical bore extending through said rearwardlyextending portion and communicating concentrically with a cylindricalycounterbore of substantially larger diameter in said coupling portion,said cylindrical counterbore terminating in a substantiallyperpendicular shoulder at the bottom thereof,

a dielectric sleeve positioned in and filling said counterbore to thebottom thereof, said dielectric sleeve having a central boretherethrough,

a central contact adapted to be permanently aflixed to the innerconductor of the coaxial transmission line and inserted into apredetermined assembled position inside the central bore of saiddielectric sleeve, said contact having a forward contact portion adaptedto receive a mating contact and further having a rearward socket portionadapted to be telescoped over a bare end portion of the inner conductorof the coaxial transmission line to abut the end of said dielectriclayer thereof, said socket portion having an outer diameter dimensionedto fit closely within the central bore of said dielectric sleeve, saidcontact also being provided with an integral locking means for engagingsaid dielectric sleeve to positively secure said contact in thepredetermined assembled position in order to prevent the radio frequencyelectrical characteristics of the connector assembly from appreciablyvarying due to minor changes of position of said contact.

2. A connector assembly for providing constant electricalcharacteristics to coupled coaxial radio frequency transmission lines ofthe type having a constant diameter inner conductor surrounded by adielectric layer of uniform dielectric constant and a constant diametertubular outer conductor, the assembly comprising:

an electrically conductive body having a forward coupling portion ofgenerally cylindrical form and a rearwardly extending tubular portionfor connection to the outer conductor of a coaxial transmission line,said body having a cylindrical bore extending through said rearwardlyextending portion and communicating concentrically with a cylindricalcounterbore of substantially larger diameter in said coupling portion,said cylindrical counterbore terminating in a substantiallyperpendicular shoulder at the bottom thereof,

a dielectric sleeve positioned in and filling said counterbore to thebottom thereof, said dielectric sleeve having a central lboretherethrough with counterbores at the rearward and forward ends thereof,

a central contact adapted to be permanently affixed to the innerconductor of the coaxial transmission line and inserted into the centralbore of said dielectric sleeve, said contact having a forward contactportion adapted to receive a mating contact and further having arearward socket portion adapted to be telescoped over a bare end portionof the inner conductor of the coaxial transmission line to abut the endof said dielectric layer thereof, said socket portion having an outerdia-meter dimensioned to tit closely within the central bore of saiddielectric sleeve, said contact also being provided with an integrallocking flange having an outer diameter greater than that of said socketportion, said contact and its locking flange being insertibleunidirectionally into said dielectric sleeve through the central borefrom the rearward end thereof until said locking flange passes throughthe central bore and emerges into locking engagement with the bottom ofthe counterbore at the forward end of said dielectric sleeve to preventthe radio kfrequency electrical characteristics of the connectorassembly from appreciably varying due to minor changes of position ofsaid contact.

3. The apparatus of claim 2` wherein said electrically conductive bodyand said dielectric sleeve are both of unitary construction.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said dielectric Sleeve is composedof a semirigid material having sufficient elasticity to deform duringthe passage of said locking flange through said central bore and toreturn to substantially its original internal diameter thereafter.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the end of the dielectric layer ofthe coaxial transmission line is positioned in and fills saidcounterbore at the rearward end of said dielectric sleeve in order toprevent forward changes of position of said contact.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said locking flange includes atapered conical surface on the forward side thereof to permit theinsertion of said central contact through the central bore of saiddielectric sleeve.

7. A coaxial connector for providing constant electrical characteristicsto coupled coaxial radio frequency transmission lines of the type havinga constant diameter inner conductor surrounded by a dielectric layer anda constant diameter tubular center conductor, the assembly comprising:

mating halves consisting of a plu-g and a receptacle,

each including an electrically conductive body portion connectible tothe conductive sheath of a coaxial transmission line and having aforward coupling portion of generally cylindrical form with internalcounter-bores in the coupling portions of both said plug and saidreceptacle of substantially cylindrical form and substantially the samediameter disposed in end-to-end relation with each other when connectedto define an internal cavity of substantially cylindrical shape with aconcentric opening in the rearward end of each of said plug andreceptacle a pair of tubular dielectric sleeves filling said cylindricalcavity in aligned relation when connected, with a central bore in eachof said dielectric sleeves in alignment with the bore of the other, and

With a larger diameter counterbore at the mating end of each of saiddielectric sleeves; and

a central connector terminal in each of said mating halves having asocket portion adapted to be telescoped over a bare end of the centralconductor of a coaxial transmission line to abut the end of thedielectric layer thereof,

each of said connector terminals having a locking` means intermediateits ends of larger diameter than the central bores of said dielectricSleeves for engaging an internal surface of the counterbore within itsassociated dielectric sleeve to restrain said connector terminalsagainst rearward shifting in order to prevent the radio frequencyelectrical characteristics of the connector from appreciably varylng:

said connector terminals being insertible unidirectionally through thecentral bores of said dielectric sleeves until said locking means emergeinto said dielectric sleeve counterbores,

said dielectric sleeves being formed of a semirigid composition havingsufficient elasticity to deform outwardly during the passage of saidlocking flanges through the respective central vbores thereof and toreturn to substantially their original internal diameter after suchpassage to block the passage of said central terminals in a reversedirection therethrough.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein each of said electrically conductivebodies and said dielectric sleeves are of unitary construction.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein each of said dielectric sleevesfurther includes a counterbore at the rearward end thereof, the ends ofthe dielectric layer of the coaxial transmission line being positionedin and filling said counterbores at the rearward ends of said dielectricsleeves to prevent changes of position of said contact in one direction.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said locking iiange includes atapered conical surface on the forward side thereof to permit theinsertion of said central con- 1 tacts through the central bores of saiddielectric sleeves. 0

l 0 References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,088,089 4/1963 Gregoire339--94 3,184,706 5/1965 Atkins 339-177 FOREIGN PATENTS 900,393 7/ 1962Great Britain.

MARVIN A. CHAMPION, Primary Examiner. J. H. MCGLYNN, Assistant Examiner.

1. A CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY FOR PROVIDING CONSTANT ELECTRICALCHARACTERISTICS TO COUPLED COAXIAL RADIO FREQUENCY TRANSMISSION LINES OFTHE TYPE HAVING A CONSTANT DIAMETER INNER CONDUCTOR SURROUNDED BY ADIELECTRIC LAYER OF UNIFORM DIELECTRIC CONSTANT AND A CONSTANT DIAMETERTUBULAR OUTER CONDUCTOR, THE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING: AN ELECTRICALLYCONDUCTIVE BODY HAVING A FORWARD COUPLING PORTION OF GENERALLYCYLINDRICAL FORM AND A REARWARDLY EXTENDING TUBULAR PORTION FORCONNECTION TO THE OUTER CONDUCTOR OF A COAXIAL TRANSMISSION LINE, SAIDBODY HAVING A CYLINDRICAL BORE EXTENDING THROUGH SAID REARWARDLYEXTENDING PORTION AND COMMUNICATING CONCENTRICALLY WITH A CYLINDRICALCOUNTERBORE OF SUBSTANTIALLY LARGER DIAMETER IN SAID COUPLING PORTION,SAID CYLINDRICAL COUNTERBORE TERMINATING IN A SUBSTANTIALLYPERPENDICULAR SHOULDER AT THE BOTTOM THEREOF, A DIELECTRIC SLEEVEPOSITIONED IN AND FILLING SAID COUNTERBORE TO THE BOTTOM THEREOF, SAIDDIELECTRIC SLEEVE HAVING A CENTRAL BORE THERETHROUGH, A CENTRAL CONTACTADAPTED TO BE PERMANENTLY AFFIXED TO THE INNER CONDUCTOR OF THE COAXIALTRANSMISSION LINE AND INSERTED INTO A PREDETERMINED ASSEMBLED POSITIONINSIDE THE CENTRAL BORE OF SAID DIELECTRIC SLEEVE, SAID CONTACT HAVING AFORWARD CONTACT PORTION ADAPTED TO RECEIVE A MATING CONTACT AND FURTHERHAVING A REARWARD SOCKET PORTION ADAPTED TO BE TELESCOPED OVER A BAREEND PORTION OF THE INNER CONDUCTOR OF THE COAXIAL TRANSMISSION LINE TOABUT THE END OF SAID DIELECTRIC LAYER THEREOF, SAID SOCKET PORTIONHAVING AN OUTER DIAMETER DIMENSIONED TO FIT CLOSELY WITHIN THE CENTRALBORE OF SAID DIELECTRIC SLEEVE, SAID CONTACT ALSO BEING PROVIDED WITH ANINTEGRAL LOCKING MEANS FOR ENGAGING SAID DIELECTRIC SLEEVE TO POSITIVELYSECURE SAID CONTACT IN THE PREDETERMINED ASSEMBLED POSITION IN ORDER TOPREVENT THE RADIO FREQUENCY ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CONNECTORASSEMBLY FROM APPRECIABLY VARYING DUE TO MINOR CHANGES OF POSITION OFSAID CONTACT.